A scholarship from a grassroots Illawarra organisation is helping a Yuin man from Shellharbour power up a career in electrics.
Hi Neighbour is supporting Brock Amatto in building his career in renewable energy by awarding him the 2025 First Power scholarship.
Following their successful Women in Clean Energy scholarship, Hi Neighbour is providing financial support and career mentorship to four local First Nations scholarship recipients.
The charity aims to enrich the region’s clean energy transformation by supporting people from underutilised and knowledge-rich groups to build careers in cultural heritage management, environmental assessment, electrical trades, engineering and project management.
Brock, 20, put his hand up for the scholarship, wanting to advance in electrical trades and work in renewable energy.
“My dream job would always change during high school, whether it be something in IT, teaching, and of course what every footy player growing up wanted to be – a professional footy player,” Brock says.
“But my dream job now has definitely been decided.”
Brock decided to become an electrician after completing a Certificate II in Construction Pathways. His cohort completed work experience across all trade areas, and he enjoyed electrical work the best.
“Ever since then, I have had my eyes set on starting an apprenticeship and starting my journey in the electrical industry,” he says.
“The work you can do in an electrical trade can vary depending on who you work for, what type of work whether that be residential, commercial or industrial. There’s also different variations – normal electrical and solar/batteries to only name a few. Especially now with all the renewables and the battery rebates from the government, it’s great to join a very thriving industry.”
Early this year, Hi Neighbour announced the First Power scholarship round with $20,000 funding provided by Buckaroo Leatherworks. In 2023, Hi Neighbour had loaned Buckaroo the money to install 100 kilowatts of solar panels on its Bellambi rooftop. The interest on their repayments provided funding for this round of scholarships.
Hi Neighbour was started by actor Yael Stone, who said giving First Nations employees a hand was essential.
"I am so proud to be supporting extraordinary First Nations talent in our region to lead the way in the clean energy space,'' said Yael, who played Lorna in Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
''We need extraordinary folks like these awardees to be at the heart of this energy transformation from coal to clean energy. If the transformation is not dynamically inclusive of First Nations people and wisdom at all levels; leadership, management, trades then we will have failed."
Brock thanks Yael, scholarship co-ordinator Ali Gerritsen and the Hi Neighbour team for the opportunity.
“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now,” he says. ''Getting an apprenticeship with their scholarship means they have opened up many pathways for me, through their connections.”
“I now have access to power tools because of them and have my own kit. I have a mentor who’s in the industry now who has helped give me tips and teach me, and also have access to quality equipment for TAFE - whether that be a good calculator or textbooks. I would just like to say a big thank you to Yael and the team at Hi Neighbour for the scholarship.”
A year from now, Brock will have started his electrical apprenticeship and hopes to give back to the Hi Neighbour community, offering skills, knowledge and guidance.
“I hope I can help next year's awardees for Hi Neighbour and in the years to come, give them guidance like I have gotten from people in the industry.”
